Mural designed for Rehoboth Beach Convention Center

If everything goes as planned, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center will have a new mural by October.

During a commissioner workshop July 8, Nick Serratore, Rehoboth Art League exhibitions director, announced that New York-based artist Brett Steeves had been chosen to paint a Rehoboth-themed mural on an exterior wall of the convention center. The blank wall is on the east side of the building, directly across from the recently dedicated Steve Elkins Way that leads to Second Street and Baltimore Avenue.

The city and Rehoboth Art League issued a call for submissions in April, and Serratore said 21 artists from several states submitted proposals. “It was a tough decision,” he said. “There were a lot of skilled muralists.”

Showing off a few of Steeves’ submissions, Serratore said RAL was looking for an image that captured the essence of Rehoboth Beach, not a generic picture of sea grass. “His murals tell a story,” said Serratore.

The reaction from commissioners was positive to the proposed mural, featuring Dolle’s, the Bandstand, dolphins, the beach and a sandcastle.

Commissioner Pat Coluzzi said she thought the proposed mural looks beautiful.

Commissioner Toni Sharp called it a much-needed improvement on the blank slate that’s currently there.

Steeves was not in attendance, but Serratore said the plan is for work to begin Sept. 15 and be completed by Oct. 1. It’s a nice, small, compact wall, he said, adding that Steeves said he would be surprised if the painting takes two weeks to finish.

Serratore said there’s some fine-tuning left with image, but generally, speaking it’s complete.

The city budgeted a $5,000 stipend for completion of the mural. City Manager Sharon Lynn said a final contract is being worked on.